Occupational Therapist

The Role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a part-time, permanent position based in Tauranga, 10 hours available with flexibility around work pattern.

You'll join our Whetū Marewa service - meaning 'rising star' - our access and choice programme for young people. The name reflects the potential within every taiohi and our belief that young people can achieve healthy, connected and fulfilling lives.

Whetū Marewa is a community-based, brief and early intervention service supporting taiohi who may be experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges, or social stressors.

What you can bring | He aha tōu ki tēnei tūranga

You'll bring your experience, creativity and passion for working alongside taiohi, with a genuine belief in their strengths, potential and ability to create positive change.

You will bring:

• Current New Zealand clinical registration
• An understanding of local community issues and a commitment to tikanga Māori
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to upholding the mana of taiohi, whānau and the kaupapa
• Strong therapeutic skills and the ability to deliver effective brief and short-term interventions that achieve meaningful outcomes
• Experience in group facilitation, creating engaging and inclusive spaces where taiohi can connect, learn, share and build confidence
• A relationship-based approach that prioritises trust, connection, mana and the voice of the taiohi

About You | Mōu

We're looking for an experienced Registered Occupational Therapist or Social Worker.

You'll be confident working within a brief and early intervention model and comfortable balancing clinical responsibility with a flexible, youth-centred approach.

Our preferred candidate will have:

• A current New Zealand practising certificate
• Experience working with young people/taiohi and whānau
• Experience in therapeutic interventions and group facilitation
• An understanding of local community issues and tikanga Māori
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and innovatively
• A full New Zealand Driver Licence
• A current first aid certificate
• Knowledge of, and demonstrable commitment to, the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The Benefits | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou:

We want our people to feel valued and supported, so you'll have access to a range of benefits, including:

• Increased employer KiwiSaver contribution
• 5th week of annual leave after 12 months of service
• 2 paid wellbeing days each year
• $250 Extraordinary payment card each year to support you and your whānau health and wellbeing
• Perk & Perk Plus discount app
• Supportive team environment where creativity, innovation and wellbeing are valued

Why REAL?

At REAL, we're not looking for someone who simply wants to tick boxes.

We're looking for someone who wants to make a difference.

Someone who can build a genuine connection with a young person, recognise their strengths, find a different way in when the usual approach isn't working, and celebrate the small wins along the way.

Someone who understands that therapeutic work can be purposeful and enjoyable.

If you are an occupational therapist who brings professional expertise, creativity, curiosity, humour and a passion for helping taiohi flourish, we'd love you to join us.

Closing Date | Rā katinga: 12 November 2026. Please note, this job ad may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

Contact | Whakapā mai: Caroline Henry, Team Coach - Clinical Social Worker, at [email protected].

For further information, visit www.real.org.nz

Real is supported by Pathways Health Limited, part of the Wise Group. Pathways are committed to healthy lifestyles and actively support a smoke-free environment.

Note: The Criminal History Check isexemptfrom The Clean Slate Act. In other words, the Clean Slate Act does not apply to this position. Please declare any offences (even outside 7 years) in your application.

All new appointees into Pathways require background checking. Under the requirements of the Children's Act 2014, new employees that are identified as coming under this act are required to undergo further safety checks as part of the recruitment process.